When Life is Strange was released in 2015, it earned itself a cult following, and since then, the series has only grown more popular. With improved graphics that better capture human facial expressions, Life is Strange: True Colors raised the bar for the series, leaving fans craving more. It seems that Square Enix has not forgotten about Life is Strange at all, and while there has been no official announcement, signs suggest that a new entry may be on the way.
With how beloved the games are, it will be hard for Life is Strange 4 to surpass expectations. There is a lot that a new entry can learn from Life is Strange: True Colors. If a new entry could also remain in a single location that players can fall in love with, it could still capture the magic that makes Life is Strange titles special.
Is It Over For Life is Strange?
Life is Strange: True Colors, developed by Deck Nine, was a huge leap for the series. It introduced larger environments, better graphics, and a heart-wrenching narrative that competed with the first game in terms of emotional impact. Deck Nine also developed remasters of Life is Strange and its prequel, Life is Strange: Before the Storm, which has been released on multiple platforms including the Nintendo Switch.
While fans may expect interest in the series to come from Deck Nine, it has also come from Don't Nod Entertainment, the studio that produced the first Life is Strange game. In a business review, the studio claimed that much of its success in recent years has come from Life is Strange and Vampyr. Don't Nod also announced that it has eight projects in the pipeline, and they should all be released by 2025. It has not been revealed what these projects are, but it has left some speculating whether any are related to Life is Strange.
Some rumors suggest that Life is Strange 4 will feature the much-requested crossover between the worlds of Alex and Max, who is the star of the first game. If true, it has the potential to be another fan favorite.
Where Could Life is Strange 4 Go?
Life is Strange: True Colors proved that the series can still do plenty more experimentation and innovation. It features Alex Chen, who moves to Haven Springs and reunites with her brother, Gabriel. Haven Springs is like a mini semi-open world that players can explore. As players go up and down the main street, they can talk to locals and visit the small businesses. The social media app on Alex's phone also helps players to get a better sense of the community. Alex is also an empath; she can strongly sense people's emotions, and she can access memories that are imprinted onto objects.
The next Life is Strange game should learn from its predecessor and stay firmly rooted in one location where players can grow familiar with all the characters. This gives the choices players make much more weight. The least popular entry in the series, Life is Strange 2, struggled to connect with fans in part because the protagonists were constantly on the move, preventing players from bonding with any of the characters.
It seems like Square Enix isn't abandoning Life is Strange any time soon, though there hasn't been any official word on when True Colors' successor is coming. If the rumors of the crossover are true, there are plenty of past characters that can make a return. In addition to Max and Chloe, who everyone is hoping for already, Steph should make a second comeback. Her appearance in True Colors' DLC demonstrated that she is a character that the series should never let go of.
Life is Strange: True Colors is available on Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
